Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Overview -
Moon Studio’s 'Ori and the Blind Forest' was released on the Xbox One a scant year ago to glowing reviews (including one from me). It was praised for its beautiful visuals, touching story, and faithful metroidvania influence. We now have a 'Definitive Edition' already, which might be a record turnaround, as it was released on the game’s first anniversary.
Video Review
'Ori' still has a captivating beauty, and is probably one of the best-looking parallax scrollers out there. Everything about its visuals, from the lighting to the framerate to the impeccably animated Ori, is top notch. Black Root Burrows incorporates shadows and lighting in its platforming to great effect, even if the level is super short.
Audio Review
New tracks have been added to the score, making it fuller and richer than before (and it was pretty damn good before). The sound design is similarly excellent, portraying a magical forest environment with gusto.
Final Thoughts
'Ori and the Blind Forest' is the kind of game that didn’t cry out for a remaster so soon (or at all), not because it was flawed but because it was so amazing. At only $5 for previous 'Ori' owners, it is difficult not to recommend to any Xbox One owner, especially because the new difficulty levels make its strenuous challenges more attainable. It still remains a specific kind of platformer and therefore somewhat niche, but I am not ashamed to say that it is my favorite Xbox exclusive of this generation to date.